The Chronomaster range of watches from Nivada Grenchen and Croton were produced at a time when adventures and exploration were at the forefront of what was happening in the world and within the pop culture of the 1960s. Within the expansive world of vintage timepieces, there is no uncertainty that vintage tool watches hold a particular position within the minds of numerous collectors. The 1960s and 1970s were what we now know as the golden era of sports watch design where the form of a watch needed to meet its intended function to support the adventures that the watch was created for. Nivada Grenchen or Croton in the States was founded in Grenchen, Switzerland in the 1920s by Jacob Schneider, Nivada Grenchen was actually one of the first watch brands to manufacture automatic watches. Nevada encompassed other modern wristwatch innovations as well, creating waterproof and “rustless” watches that would stand up to the rigors of the outdoor adventures they were creating a watch for. 

This Croton Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver ref. 106 “yachting” utilizes a Valjoux cal. 7733 chronograph movement with a simple and no-nonsense dial that is beautifully executed and in flawless condition, featuring a vibrant red and blue 10-minute countdown on the left sub-dial. The classic large stainless steel 38mm stainless steel case with long and angled lugs and The case is outfitted with an aluminum minute/hour bi-directional bezel that is not only unique but useful. The Aviator Sea Diver covers all of these classic sport watch queues from this golden era of classic sports watch design.

SPECS

CASE & BRACELET

The charmingly angular case is very well-preserved with honest signs of light use and crisp geometry throughout. The bi-directional bezel exhibits general wear and is in overall excellent condition. The unsigned crown and large pump pushers remain original to the watch. The case back retains its factory engraving in clear and visibly present condition. The watch will come supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The matte black (reverse-panda) dial with white sub-dials is exceptional, showing no damage whatsoever. The white sub-dials remain crisp with no age or wear present. The tritium-filled markers have achieved a beautiful creamy patina and exhibit no degradation when inspected under U.V. light. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly with no degradation present under U.V. light inspection.

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.